Our work lives in offices, universities, stores and homes. It appears on products and buildings and vehicles and in the digital space. It’s been seen in theaters, trade shows, museums and art galleries, recognized internationally, and honored in virtually every significant design publication and competition.

You know you’re on to something when you hear a client’s Executive Director say “I’m so proud of myself for hiring you guys!” and backs that statement up with candy and a handwritten thank you note two days later.

Kelly Komp

The CEO of a large government contractor once looked me straight in the eye and told me his firm did NOT operate Area 51 because it did not exist.

Dave Mason

Apparently strategic design includes hosting a 650-attendee, 3-day conference for a leading heavy truck manufacturer. Who knew?

Skot Waldron

Yes, strategic design includes changing a tire at a printing facility in Tel Aviv.

Kevin Krueger

My favourite reaction to an initial creative presentation: “I LOVE IT! But I don’t want to influence any of you. What do you guys think?” The CEO.

Pamela Lee

If the hotel fire alarm goes off, make sure to knock on your client’s door to make sure they heard it. If not, they’ll tease you about it for years.

Kevin Krueger

Why does spending a couple of hours in the government facility that houses every virus known to man make me itch for a week?

Skot Waldron

We knew we’d hit the mark when a client said “It’s the right blend of ‘we are fiscally responsible’ and ‘we care about good design.’ It’s nonprofit sexy.”

Andy Eltzroth

When I asked about the risks in having open-ended, solid fuel nuclear missiles stored horizontally and pointing in the general direction of Ogden, Utah, they showed me the serrated steel ‘can openers’ welded at the front of each rocket’s carriage. “If one of these accidentally lights up, this thing will tear a hole in the missile body and it’ll just lay there and burn out. No problem.” Uh huh.

Dave Mason

I’ve spent time with Haitians living in extreme poverty who may not have access to the comforts of modern life, but who experience rich happiness within their communities. It’s a paradox.

Kelly Komp

Years of canoeing as a kid came in handy when the motor on our boat failed in the middle of a photo shoot on an 11,122-acre restored wetland in a national wildlife refuge.

Andy Eltzroth

Disintegrating small boulders in the middle of the Utah mountains with a Desert Eagle handgun is not the same as shooting aluminum cans off my porch with a BB gun when I was 10. A lesson in power and the responsibility that comes with it.

Skot Waldron

You do NOT talk business during a coffee break in a German fire house. Just enjoy the coffee. Trust me.

Kevin Krueger

How do we know we’re making an impact? During a communication presentation at a children’s hospital, one of our clients read some initial copy that described the things—large and small—that parents, families and caregivers think about when a child is sick or injured. She burst into tears.

Pamela Lee

If the PGA Tour calls, you might want to answer. Don’t assume they’re trying to sign you up for a credit card.